MDF has been in mass production now since the 1980’s. It is used predominantly in the DIY scene, as it has many advantages over natural wood. The biggest of these advantages being price. As MDF is man-made, there is no waiting for the tree to grow, or process of drying the timber, which means that costs are kept low. MDF is used mainly as a cheap substitute for wood, but with the right cut and finish, can have a good effect.

MDF, also known as Medium Density Fibreboard is an engineered wood product made by breaking down either hardwood or softwood residuals, mixing them with wax and resin to produce a versatile board material. MDF has many advantages and disadvantages due to its manmade nature.

Home MDF cutting can be frustrating. The fibrous nature of MDF means that it can be susceptible to splitting when having a generic saw taken to it. Also, MDF does not react well with screws or nails, so advice is generally given to use strong wood glues or araldite for fixing purposes. MDF sheets are a very versatile material however, and any workman or keen DIYer should have experience with this material.

MDF is generally used in similar ways that old plywood and other man made wood products are used. However MDF tends to be stronger, and as it is denser, it can tend to be much more durable. These properties make it the perfect substance for using at home or in the commercial sector.